Prepare NorCal: Disaster Preparedness Resources

The San Francisco Bay Area is a region that is highly vulnerable to natural hazards like earthquakes, wildfires, and severe weather. Communities across the Bay Area are now bracing for potential downpours, flooding, mudslides and more as a result of the strong El Nino impact we are experiencing this winter.

ABC7 has gathered resources and tips to make it easier for you to access preparedness information all in one place.

In the average year, 10,000 severe thunderstorms, 5,000 floods and more than 1,000 tornadoes and 6 named hurricanes occur across the United States. These events threaten lives and property. Additionally, about 90 percent of all presidentially-declared disasters are weather-related. (Source: NOAA)

TIPSDo you feel prepared for severe weather in the Bay Area? If not, here are 7 tips to help you get started.

1. FLOODSListen to local radio and TV stations for information and advice. When a flash flood warning is issued or if you think it has already started, evacuate immediately. Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. Plan and practice a flood evacuation route with your family. (Sources: American Red Cross Bay Area, sf72.org, CDC)

3. EXTREME HEATDrink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink. Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library - even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. (Source: CDC)

4. TSUNAMISA local earthquake may generate tsunami waves that can reach shore in minutes. If you are on the beach or other low-lying area close to the ocean or bay, immediately evacuate by walking to higher ground. If officials issue a tsunami warning and order evacuations, you hear the Outdoor Warning System, the earth shakes so much that you can't stand, shaking lasts longer than 20 seconds, or you notice water receding from the shoreline, walk to higher ground immediately. (Sources: CDC, TsunamiReady - NOAA)

5. SAFE WATER SOURCES IN THE HOMEIf you do not have enough water stored, there are sources in your home that may provide safe, clean water for drinking purposes: the water drained from the water heater faucet (if the water heater has not been damaged), water dipped from the tank of the toilet (not the bowl - the water in the bowl can be used for pets) or melted ice cubes. (Source: CDC)

6. STAY OUT OF FLOOD WATERS, ON FOOT AND IN VEHICLESStay out of flood waters, if possible. Even water only several inches deep can be dangerous. If you have to walk through water, use a stick to check the firmness of the ground ahead of you. Avoid moving water. If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground. Attempting to move a stalled vehicle in flood conditions can be fatal. (Source: CDC)

7. DAMAGING HAIL, THUNDERSTORMS AND LIGHTNINGIf you are indoors when a storm with large hailstones strikes, stay there. Because large pieces of hail can shatter windows, close your drapes, blinds or window shades to prevent the wind from blowing broken glass inside. Stay away from skylights and doors. If you are outside when lightning strikes, move immediately to a place of shelter. (Source: weather.com/ready)

PREPARE FOR EARTHQUAKESExperts believe that the Northern California area is one of the most seismically active areas of the state. The overall probability of a magnitude 6.7 or larger earthquake striking the Greater Bay Area in the next 30 years is 63 percent. Unfortunately, most residents are not prepared to protect their families, homes and finances. Preparing now will help you survive and recover and get back to normal after the next damaging earthquake.

CEA's new alliance with the American Red Cross can help you take simple steps to be ready when the time comes-- We're in this together, Northern California, so get prepared! Here are the simple steps you can take:

Get a kitMake a planBe informedConsider earthquake insurancePractice how to drop, cover and hold onSecure your home's structure and contents

MAKE A PLANIdentify out-of-area emergency contacts. Decide where to reunite with loved ones after a disaster in case phone lines are down. Write your plan on an emergency contact card and store in your phone along with important numbers for emergency resources in your area. Use the tips in this guide to start making your plan!

EARTHQUAKE INSURANCEMost residential insurance policies do not cover earthquake damage - a separate earthquake policy is required. Without earthquake insurance to help cover the costs of repairs and other expenses that come with catastrophic damage, you will pay out-of-pocket to fix your home, to replace your personal property, and to live and eat elsewhere. The California Earthquake Authority is a publicly managed, privately funded organization that provides catastrophe residential earthquake insurance and encourages Californians to reduce their risk of earthquake loss.

Why CEA? Five reasons to buy:If your home suffers catastrophic earthquake damage, the CEA can provide you with the strength to rebuild. With nearly $10 billion in claim-paying power, supported by the service expertise of its participating insurance companies, the CEA could cover all of its claims if the 1906 San Francisco, 1989 Loma Prieta, or 1994 Northridge earthquake reoccurred today.

Excellent financial ratings. CEA's financial strength is rated A- (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company (a company that rates insurance companies).

Rates based on science, not profit. By law, CEA rates must allow it to remain financially sound and to pay all its covered claims. CEA rates are based on the best available science for assessing earthquake risk and do not include any amount for profit.

Not tied to government budgets. California's budget issues have no impact on the CEA's ability to pay its claims, because the CEA is a privately financed entity and receives no money through the state budget.

Without earthquake insurance, the cost of any damage is your cost. If your CEA policy claim exceeds your deductible, you don't actually have to pay the deductible before claim-payment eligibility is triggered.

During an earthquake, know how to drop to the ground, take cover under sturdy furniture, and hold on to that furniture until after the shaking stops. Learn about Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills, annual opportunities to practice what to do during an earthquake.

A helicopter flies through smoke from the Rocky Fire that's burning in Lake County, Calif. on Monday, August 3, 2015.

PREPARE FOR FIRES/WILDFIRES

On August 6, 2012, a fire burning at a refinery in Richmond prompted shelter-in-place orders for Richmond, North Richmond, and San Pablo. Make sure you know what shelter-in-place means!

The most effective way to protect yourself and your home from fire is to identify and remove fire hazards. Sixty-five percent of home fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms. During a home fire, working smoke alarms and a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives.

TIPSDo you feel prepared for a major fire? If not, here are some tips to help you get started:

1. DETERMINE ESCAPE ROUTESFind two ways out of each room in your home and know your neighborhood evacuation routes. Designate an emergency meeting location outside the fire/hazard area and determine an out-of-area friend or relative as a point of contact to act as a single source of communication among family members in case of separation. (Sources: American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter, SFFD)

2. REMOVE FIRE HAZARDS AND INSTALL SMOKE ALARMSKeep items that catch on fire at least three feet away from anything that gets hot and stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling or broiling food. Create Defensible Space: Defensible Space is the buffer you create by removing dead plants, grass and weeds. This buffer helps to keep the fire away from your home. (Sources: readyforwildfire.org, NFPA website, NFPA PDF)

3. STOP, DROP AND ROLLIf your clothes catch on fire, STOP where you are, DROP to the ground and ROLL over and over to smother the flames. Remove all burned clothing. If clothing adheres to skin, cut or tear around burned area. Call 9-1-1 from a safe location. If you are trapped in a burning building, stay near a window and close to the floor. If possible, signal for help.

4. GET OUT AND STAY OUTGet out - leave your home as quickly and safely as possible. Make sure to check door handles with the back of your hand before opening a door. If it is hot, look for an alternate escape route. Go to your designated meeting place. Call the fire department from a neighbor's house or a cell phone once you're safely outside. (Sources: American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter, USFA FEMA, NFPA website, NFPA PDF)

5. DECIDING TO STAY OR GO: WHEN TO EVACUATELeave as soon as evacuation is recommended by fire officials to avoid being caught in fire, smoke or road congestion. Don't wait to be ordered by authorities to leave. Evacuating early also helps firefighters keep roads clear of congestion, and lets them move more freely to do their job. In an intense wildfire, they will not have time to knock on every door. If you are advised to leave, don't hesitate! (Source: readyforwildfire.org)

6. TRAVEL ROUTES

Plan several travel route options in case one route is blocked by the fire or by emergency vehicles and equipment. For more information on preparing your family, pets and property for wildfire, see the Ready for Wildfire "Are You Set?" brochure. Go to a designated public shelter if you have been told to evacuate. Text SHELTER your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area. (Sources: CALFIRE, ready.gov)

7. GAS EXPLOSIONSNatural gas leaks can cause an explosive and flammable atmosphere inside a building. If you smell gas, hear gas escaping, see a broken gas line, or if you suspect a leak, shut off the main valve and open all windows and doors. Never use candles or matches if you suspect a leak. Do not turn on electrical switches or appliances. Identify the main shutoff valve, located on the gas line coming into the main gas meter. To turn gas off, give the valve a quarter turn in either direction. When the lever crosses the direction of the pipe the gas is off. (Sources: readyforwildfire.org)

HOME DEPOT AND KIDDEHome Depot and Kidde are proud partners with ABC7's Prepare NorCal initiative and our Operation 7: Save A Life program. Through a series of fire and carbon monoxide safety messages, Kidde and ABC7 work to increase public awareness about fire and carbon monoxide safety.

PREPARE FOR ANYTHINGEmergency preparedness requires attention not just to specific types of hazards but also to steps that increase preparedness for any type of disaster. It is unlikely that emergency response services will be able to immediately respond to everyone's needs after a major disaster, so it is important to be prepared to take care of yourself and your family. Plan and be ready to act on your own for at least the first 72 hours. (Sources: sf72.org, Cal EMA, CDC, ready.gov)

TIPSMAKE A DISASTER PLANIdentify two meeting places after a disaster, an out-of-area phone contact, and escape routes out of your home and neighborhood. For chemical spills, airborne illnesses or biological hazards, be prepared to Shelter-in-Place if needed. (Sources: American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter, sf72.org, ready.gov

BUILD A DISASTER SUPPLIES KITHave a supply of water (one gallon per person/per day), food and personal items for all members of your household (minimum of three days up to two weeks recommended). Have a flashlight, battery-powered radio, extra batteries, and a well-stocked first aid kit. Alternatively, the American Red Cross and other companies sell pre-made supply kits of various sizes to make preparedness simple. Prepare kits for your home, workplace, and car. (Sources: American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter, sf72.org, CDC)

FIRST RESPONDERS: FAMILY, FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORSFamily, friends and neighbors are often the true first responders after a disaster. First check yourself for injuries then assist others based on your level of first aid training. Only call emergency systems if there is a life-threatening situation. Volunteers will play a crucial role in recovery efforts -- get involved. (Sources: American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter, sf72.org, Cal EMA)

POWER OUTAGESTurn off and unplug appliances and computers. Leave one light on to indicate when power has been restored. Avoid using candles, as they are fire hazards. Do not use a gas stove for heating or operate generators indoors (including the garage.) Both could cause carbon monoxide poisoning. If a traffic signal is not working, treat it as a stop sign. PG&E: (800) 743-5000 or www.pge.com (Source: sf72.org)

PHONESCordless phones rely on electricity which may be unavailable after a disaster. Be sure to have a standard landline phone on hand. Also, text messaging on mobile phones might be best if lines are jammed. CHILDREN: Teach them to dial their home telephone number and Emergency 9-1-1. Role-play with children on what to say when calling Emergency 9-1-1. (Source: American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter)

TRANSITMass transit systems may be vulnerable to both accidents and terrorist incidents. Mass transit customers should be aware and vigilant. Be well informed and know your surroundings. (Source: sf72.org)

PLAN FOR YOUR PETSIt may be difficult, if not impossible, to find shelter for your animals in the midst of an evacuation, so plan ahead. Prepare a list of family members, friends, boarding facilities, veterinarians and pet-friendly hotels to shelter your pets in an emergency. (Sources: American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter, ready.gov)

DIRECTORY OF RESOURCES AND LINKS

211 Bay AreaDuring a disaster, 211 provides critical information about evacuation routes, food and shelter, as well as job search and permanent housing support during long-term recovery. 211 is an easy to remember, toll-free phone number that connect callers with local community services, such as food, shelter, counseling, employment assistance, quality child care and more. 211 is confidential and available 24 hours a day in more than 150 languages. Problem dialing 211? Call: 800-273-6222 (TTY 415-808-4440 or 711)Website: http://211bayarea.orgTwitter: @211sfbayareaFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/211SanFranciscoBayArea

sf72.orgIn a major disaster, it might be several days before vital services are restored. Find out how you can prepare yourself and your family for an emergency. You can also learn what to do in response to a specific disaster.

CERT - Community Emergency Response TeamsThe Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.Website: http://www.citizencorps.gov/cert

FEMAThe FEMA App contains preparedness information for different types of disasters, an interactive checklist for emergency kits, a section to plan emergency meeting locations, information on how to stay safe and recover after a disaster, a map with FEMA Disaster Recovery Center locations (one-stop centers where disaster survivors can access key relief services) and Shelters, general ways the public can get involved before and after a disaster, and the FEMA blog.iPhone appAndroid app

Life360Instant safety, security, and peace of mind. Take care of everything from getting back your lost stuff to tracking your family.iPhone appAndroid app

SF HeroesThe City of San Francisco's Department of Emergency Management presents: SF Heroes. Earn points and gain Super Power Badges as you successfully complete tasks in the real world. Empower yourself to be a real-life hero in your community by learning how to prepare and protect yourself and your family in the event of an emergency.iPhone app